Human
Seniors & Senior Dogs: A Match Made in Heaven?

by Jessica Brody

Seniors
are more prone to feelings of loneliness and isolation than any other
age group. Research
has shown that nearly half of all seniors report feeling lonely. This
heartbreaking statistic actually puts our oldest generations at risk
for anxiety, depression, dementia, and a variety of chronic health
conditions which can lead to decline and even death.

Sadly,
senior humans aren’t the only ones suffering. Around the world,
senior dogs are given up for adoption or sent to shelters by owners
who no longer want them, can’t afford them, or simply no longer
have the time, patience or compassion required to care for an aging
pet.

Puppies
are so cute and adorable that many people completely overlook older
dogs. The sad truth is that so many people want puppies that many
senior dogs spend months waiting to be rescued - and many never find
their forever homes. Instead, they are euthanized after failing to be
adopted. According to one California-based animal
rescue
association, “the vast majority of dogs don’t make it out [of
shelters] alive.”

Although
many unwanted puppies and younger dogs arrive at animal shelters due
to behavioral issues, most senior dogs are abandoned at shelters due
to no fault of their own. After having lived most of their lives with
the same family, as many as 90% of senior pets are surrendered
due to a previous owner’s divorce, job loss, financial situation,
lifestyle, relocation or even death.

The
good news is that senior humans can be an excellent match for senior
dogs.
Human seniors can benefit from adopting a senior dog in a number of
ways. They provide companionship for each other, reducing the
feelings of depression and/or anxiety (in both dogs and humans). The
decreased loneliness is especially beneficial to human seniors,
potentially reducing their risk of dementia, improving their overall
health, and possibly even leading to a longer lifespan.

Senior
dogs are readily available at many humane societies, shelters, and
breed rescues. After finding a senior dog to fit their needs,
personalities, and lifestyles, senior humans can begin the process of
preparing
their home
for their newly-adopted pet.

When
it comes to caring for a senior dog, there are a few extra
considerations that seniors should take. For instance, some senior
dogs have visual impairments, hearing loss, or limited mobility.
Luckily, some minor home adjustments might make it easier for the
senior dog to settle into his or her new home.

Although
senior dogs might occasionally require some additional care and
consideration, they typically have a reduced energy level compared to
younger dogs. This makes them a better match for senior humans
because they may be easier to care for. In addition, many senior dogs
have already been housebroken and obedience trained, which will save
their human owners some effort. Instead of having to train a new
puppy, senior dog owners can jump right into bonding with their new
pet and enjoying their time together.

Senior
humans who are facing loneliness and isolation may want to consider
adopting a senior dog. The potential human-dog relationship offers
many clear benefits to both the humans and their dogs. It’s
possible that senior humans and senior dogs can literally “rescue”
each other, possibly even saving each other’s lives.

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